This guide walks you through replacing the controller on a Timberline® 850 or Timberline® 1300 grill. It also includes instructions for removing and reinstalling the WiFi antenna when required.
Timberline grills were the first Traeger models to feature WiFIRE® technology. There are two WiFIRE-enabled versions of the Timberline 850 and 1300:
- AC (Alternating Current)
- D2 (Direct Current)
While both controllers perform the same basic functions, the replacement process is different for each model. Before you begin, you'll need to identify which controller your grill uses so you can follow the correct instructions.
First: Determine Which Controller Your Timberline Has
There are two versions of Traeger's Timberline 850 and Timberline 1300 WiFIRE-enabled grills. Each version has a different corresponding controller.
The easiest way to identify which version you have is to look at your grill's serial number.
Need help finding it? See: Find you Grill's Serial & Model Number .
| AC WiFIRE Controller | D2 WiFIRE Controller | |
|---|---|---|
| Applicable Model Numbers | TFB85WLB TFB01WLB TFB01WLEC |
TFB85WLE TFB85WLEC TFB01WLE TFB01WLEC |
| Controller SKUs | KIT0216 | KIT0486 KIT0478 |
| Identifying Features | Plain front | Indicates D2 |
| Front | ||
| Back |
Replacing a WiFIRE Controller on a D2 Timberline 850 & 1300
The steps to replace a controller on a D2 Timberline 850 or 1300 are very different from the ones above. This replacement follows the same flow as replacing controllers on other D2 WiFIRE grills. The only difference is these models have a WiFi antenna (which improves WiFi connection) that needs to be removed.
| D2 Timberline 850 & 1300 WIFI Controller |
Applicable D2 Grills
- Timberline 850 (TFB85WLE)
- Timberline 1300 (TFB01WLE, TFB01WLEC)
Applicable Controller SKUs
- KIT0486
- KIT0478
Tools Needed
- Phillips Screwdriver
- Replacement Zip Ties (Optional)
Replacement Instructions
- Turn the grill off and unplug it from power.
- Remove the WiFi antenna following the instructions in the next section.
- Using a Phillips screwdriver, remove the four screws securing the controller.
-
Carefully disconnect all wire connectors from the controller.
- Each connector is uniquely shaped, making reinstallation straightforward.
- Feed the WiFi antenna cable back through the controller opening.
- Connect all wire connectors to the replacement controller.
- Reinstall the controller using the four mounting screws.
- Reattach the antenna connector and reinstall the bottom panel.
- Plug the grill back in and power it on.
- Replace the QR code sticker located under the hopper with the new QR code included with your replacement controller.
The original QR code is associated only with the original controller that came with the grill upon manufacturing. The new QR Code is associated with the customer's new controller.
- Reconnect your grill to WiFi and pair it with the Traeger App using the Connect & Pair Your Grill instructions.
How to Remove a Timberline WiFi Antenna
The Timberline WiFi antenna can be found underneath the hopper.
These steps only apply to Timberline grills manufactured in 2019 or later.
Applicable SKUs: KIT0495
- Power off and unplug your grill.
-
Remove the lower panel on the underside of the hopper by unscrewing the 4 screws holding it in place. The four screws are usually tight and can be difficult to loosen.
-
Remove the lower part of the external antenna.
- While holding the upper part of the coaxial antenna connector, unthread and remove the lower nut from the connector.
- Pull the coaxial connector out of the antenna mount.
Replacing a WiFIRE Controller on an AC Timberline 850 & 1300
AC Timberline 850 & 1300 WIFI Controller |
Applicable AC Models:
- Timberline 850 (TFB85WLB)
- Timberline 1300 (TFB01WLB, TFB01WLEC)
Applicable Controller SKU
- KIT0216
Tools Needed
- Phillips Screwdriver
- Replacement Zip Ties (Optional)
Replacement Steps
- Turn the grill off and unplug it from the power outlet.
- Remove the 4 screws securing the hopper access panel and set the panel aside.
- Cut or remove any zip ties securing the wire harness.
- Remove the 4 screws holding the controller in place.
- Carefully pull the controller away from the hopper to access the wiring.
- Disconnect the grounding wire from the controller.
-
Unplug the thermocouple wires and disconnect each plastic (Molex) connector from the controller.
- The wiring is color-coded to help make reconnecting the new controller easier.
- Remove the old controller.
Install the replacement controller and reconnect all wiring:
- Plug each connector into its matching color-coded connection.
- Reconnect the thermocouple wires (+ and -).
- Reattach the grounding wire.
- Screw controller back into hopper panel.
- Make sure free hanging wires are nicely bunched back up keeping them away from the moving parts in the grill.
- Screw hopper panel back to the hopper.
- Plug in and turn on.